US Army picks Sierra Nevada for long-range spy plane integration work

On the same subject

• 

  October 2, 2018 | International, Land

  China building bridging systems for heavy vehicles

  Christopher F Foss, London - Jane's International Defence Review China's NORINCO and its partners are producing and offering for export a range of bridging systems - including the new HZ21 - that must handle the newer, heavier armoured platforms replacing older Chinese systems. NORINCO markets a range of mobile bridging systems on tracked and wheeled platforms, but the prime contractor for some of these bridging systems is the China Harzone Industry Corporation (CHIC), which is a subsidiary of the China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation (CSIC). CHIC confirmed that it has two major production facilities and one research and development facility, with sales of commercial and military bridging systems to more than 40 countries. The HZ21 military bridging system is deployed by China and referred to by CHIC as a 'fast bridge'. It is transported and launched over the rear of a forward control 8×8 cross-country truck. Prior to launching the two-part bridge, a stabiliser is lowered on either side at the rear of the platform. The lower part of the bridge is then extended over the gap, followed by the upper part - the complete bridge is then lowered into position. When fully extended, the 10.5-tonne (11.6 ton) two-part bridge is 21 m (69 ft) long and has a roadway width of 3.3 m; it can bridge a wet or dry gap of up to 19 m. According to CHIC, it can be deployed in fewer than 10 minutes and retracted in a similar time. The HZ21 can handle tracked vehicles with a gross vehicle weight (GVW) of up to 60 tonnes, or wheeled platforms with a maximum axle load of up to 17 tonnes. In many respects, the HZ21 is similar in concept and operation to the General Dynamics European Land Systems - Germany (GDELS-G) Rapidly Emplaced Bridge System (REBS) deployed by the US Army, which is transported and launched from a Common Bridge Transporter (CBT). https://www.janes.com/article/83472/china-building-bridging-systems-for-heavy-vehicles

• 

  January 14, 2020 | International, Aerospace

  Swiss issue second RFP for fighter/GBAD replacements

  Gareth Jennings, London Switzerland has issued a second request for proposal (RFP) for its Air2030 requirement to procure new combat aircraft and ground-based air defence (GBAD) systems. The supplementary solicitation, which came about 12 months after the first RFP, was issued by the country's Armasuisse defence procurement agency on 10 January. As noted by the Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection, and Sport (VBS [previously DDPS]) that announced the new RFP, the second request builds on data already gathered from tests and evaluations of the five candidate fighter aircraft and two GBAD types. For the requirement to replace the Swiss Air Force's current Northrop F-5E/F Tiger II and Boeing F/A-18 Hornet fleets, Air2030 is considering the Eurofighter Typhoon, Dassault Rafale, Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, Saab Gripen E, and Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter (JSF). For the GBAD requirement, Air2030 is considering the Eurosam SAMP/T and Raytheon Patriot. For the fighter aircraft element, the companies contacted via the government authorities are requested to submit the most advantageous offer for Switzerland. The proposal should include prices for 36 and 40 aircraft (including logistics and weapons), as well as other defined industrial aspects of the bid including offsets. "The starting point for determining the number of fighter aircraft are the requirements to cope with a situation of increased tension. In such a situation, the Swiss Air Force must be able to permanently conduct air patrols with at least four aircraft for at least four weeks in order to preserve air sovereignty, prevent unauthorised use and violations of Swiss air space, and thus contribute to keep Switzerland out of armed conflict. In addition, the Swiss Air Force will use the new fighter aircraft for air policing around the clock, and, in case of armed attack, defend the air space for a limited period of time and support the ground forces," the RFP said. https://www.janes.com/article/93660/swiss-issue-second-rfp-for-fighter-gbad-replacements

• 

  August 3, 2024 | International, C4ISR

  APT41 Hackers Use ShadowPad, Cobalt Strike in Taiwanese Institute Cyber Attack

  Cisco Talos reveals Chinese state actors, APT41, breached a Taiwanese research institute using ShadowPad and Cobalt Strike malware.